Our annual holiday gift guide is here to help you with all your gifting needs this season! From the person who loves Scandinavian design to the beauty giriies, we’re here to offer suggestions for each person on your list, and a couple of things for yourself while you’re at it.
Great gifts can be hard to find, especially if gifts aren’t your love language, but with this list, we’re confident you’ll find unique and thoughtful gifts that your loved ones will treasure.
Because the holiday season is about both giving and receiving, we’re included organisations to donate to – we hope you’ll consider both the items that will bring you joy, as well as the acts of giving that will lift your soul (and help others).
Here are the best gifts for the holiday season:
Best Gifts for the Design Lover
Inspired by the hats of matadors and created by designer Jaime Hayon as a nod to Spanish heritage, this lamp blends clean, geometric lines with playful colors for a delightful addition to your desk, bedside, or living area. The lever in the front doesn’t only turn the light on and off, it also functions as a dimmer. The shade is attached by magnets, so it’s easy to put together.
Know someone who likes to romanticize their life? This is the vase for them. With its poetic, wind-swept shape and its raw, tactile ceramic finish, this vase is as much sculpture as it is functional. Created by Danish designer Louise Roe, the Pirout Vase will be the stand-out of your bookshelf or dining table.
Danish design brand Ferm Living is all about organic shapes and earthy tones, and this vase brings those elements together in the perfect vase. The black and brown glaze is elegant, while the wavy handles offer a playful vibe. This is a great piece to fill with flowers, or just keep as a sculpture on a shelf.
Aarke Coffee Maker + Aarke Coffee Grinder
Have a coffee or tea fanatic in your life? Who doesn’t know that one person who will not. Stop. Talking. About their coffee routine? Or only drinks Yorkshire? Make sure that friend is totally up-to-date with the most gorgeous coffee system and electric kettle you’ve ever seen: the ones recently released by Swedish brand Aarke. Including a stainless steel coffee maker and grinder, as well as the kettle. these are pieces that you’ll actually want to keep out on the counter because they’re simply stunning.
Wondering how to liven-up your holiday decor this year? This tablecloth from Swedish brand Pick a Poppy is the way to go. Block printed on cotton in Jaipur, India, this design is as charming as it is classic, with an edge of “casual maximalist” thanks to the striped skirting around the edge. Add colorful ceramics or something more clean on top for your next dinner party; it all goes well with this piece.
What’s really great about the tablecloth is that it’s got holiday undertones thanks to the burgundy color, but you can really use it all year round, making it a great choice whether you celebrate Christmas or not. It’s available in two sizes.
If you want to get really wild, there are matching cushions that will make your table and chairs a fluffy, hygge dream.
Designed by British furniture designer Max Lamb, Last Stool has become an icon since it launched in 2012. Made to be a “last” object – elemental, definitive, and durable – Last Stool can be used as seating or a side table. It’s stackable, plus it comes in a number of colors and finishes. For those looking to add a piece of design to the home that will truly last, both in terms of style and material, this stool is the perfect option.
Launched in Sweden in 2020, Gustaf Westman Studio quickly became known for its playful silhouettes and saturated colors. This ceramic cup and saucer makes coffee or tea time more fun. It’s like a kids’ tea set, but for grown ups! Who doesn’t want a saucer that looks like a glazed donut?
For the winter sports lover in your life, this pillow is the sweetest addition to their sofa, lounge chair, or bed. Made of an unbleached linen and cotton blend, the pillow made by Swedish brand Fine Little Day is a beautifully-handed crafted decor item that will be used for years to come.
For your grandma, or someone who is spiritually a grandma! There’s something both utilitarian and completely unnecessary about a tissue holder. If you often use tissues, a tissue holder is that little extra touch of chic – these are especially nice for a bathroom or guest room. The scalloped, cream-colored porcelain of this one makes it both stylish and minimalist, perfect for almost any decor style.
This fantastic illustrated calendar by Lola Marella is the ideal thing to hang on your wall – the hallway, your office, or wherever you like to check in on the date. Rather than a monthly calendar, this one is weekly, so there are 52 illustrations, all devoted to the concept: fun! Everyone needs a little more fun in their lives, don’t you think?
For those who love a game of chess, but are also aesthetically inclined, this chess set offers everything you want. Made from lacquered wood in lovely tones of blue, as well as the classic black and white, this is a chess set you’ll be happy to leave out on the table.
Best Gifts for the Fashion Lover
Buckles, eyelets, pointed toe, slingback, patent, bright red…this shoe should have too much going on, but somehow it’s just right. A perfect holiday party shoe, a perfect summer shoe; really just a perfect shoe! Coming from Danish fashion house GANNI, who are now venturing into the world of high fashion, this is a pair of shoes that will definitely satisfy the fashion-lover in your life.
This oversized scarf is so soft; made from 100% alpaca, it’s the ideal item to keep you warm all winter. The large-scale tartan check comes in unexpected color combinations, ensuring that the look is a blend of classic and modern. We love this lime green and brown mix!
Who’s scared of winter? Not you, when you’re wrapped up in a 66°North coat. For those who live in cold climates, or perhaps like winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, this jacket is absolutely top quality. 66°North is an Icelandic brand making technical gear – and if it’s good enough for getting around the wilds of Iceland, it’s good enough for pretty much anyone else. We like this silhouette in particular because it’s both sporty and stylish.
You heard it here first: cufflink shirts with big cufflinks are going to be on-trend for the coming year, for both men and women! Suit of Lights is a Sweden-based vintage shop founded by Gisel Reggianini with an eye to honouring her Latin heritage. Her vintage silk cufflink shirts come in range of colors, and she has plenty of cufflink sets to choose from while you’re at it. Why not go for two presents in-one?
Scandinavia Standard readers get an exclusive discount to all items on Suit of Lights through 31st January. Use code SCANHOLIDAY15 at checkout for 15% off! No minimum order; one use per customer.
We know, we know…socks? But these socks are really nice. They’re thick, soft ribbed cashmere socks that are a great substitute for slippers or house shoes if you’re bopping around your home, or a great addition to your winter boots for colder days. Danish textiles brand Tekla always gets it right!
Danish jewelry brand LIÉ Studio has branched into leather goods recently, and we cannot get enough of their chic leather belts. They look minimalist, but they add so much to any outfit. Think of it as jewelry for your trousers!
Isn’t she sweet? This mini crossbody bag by Swedish brand Acne Studios is the perfect blend of cute and grunge, making it easy to wear with any outfit but still stand out. It may be mini, but it has quite a few pockets, meaning that it can hold all the basics (wallet, phone, a few little bits and bobs); perfect for a night out!
Best Gifts for the Jewelry Lover
Big, shiny, and golden – these dome earrings from LA-based, Swedish designer Anine Bing elevate any outfit. They’re made from brass and plated with 14K gold, with post stud fastenings. The earrings are surprisingly light and pack a delightfully Art Deco punch.
Looking for high-end, handmade jewelry? Look no further than Facon Facon, created by Copenhagen-based goldsmith Charlotte Christina Larsen. It’s possible to create any custom design that you want, but there are plenty of ready-made items in stock to choose from. We’re partial to the 18K gold, pavé diamond North Star pendant; a stunning edition to your jewelry collection that can be worn on a short or long chain.
If you’re looking for the perfect two-tone watch, this one hits all the marks. Made by Swedish jewelry and watch brand Mockberg, the watch has a small (but not tiny!) 25mm, square-shaped face and a classic bracelet-style link strap. This is an elegant watch that will always be in style and will last for years to come – and the price point for the quality is fantastic!
Who doesn’t love a good gimmick? These personalised charms are just that! Make your own charm that projects any picture of your choice, in the metal color of your choice. These can be worn on a bracelet, necklace, or even keychain. This is a lovely gift for a new parent, someone who has lost someone, or anyone who you think would enjoy having a special image close to their heart. They’re a great conversation starter and have a clean, minimalist design.
Best Gifts for the Beauty Lover
Have dry hair? Go to the root cause: literally…the roots! This moisture serum really works (yes, we’ve tested it). Just massage it into your scalp after a shower, then dry and style as usual. You’ll see a noticeable difference in the brittleness of your hair and any flaking or itchiness of the scalp.
If you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine but still want to keep it minimal, this moisturizer is the product for you. It does the job of multiple products, restoring radiance and plumpness. It is comprised of a patented lipid ratio of 2% pure ceramides 1 and 3, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids, which helps maintain self-repair and restore the skin barrier. Dry skin: banished!
AIRE has spas in a number of countries, including Copenhagen, London, New York, Barcelona, and Chicago. They have an array of baths to soak in, offering a calm and meditative moment on your own or with someone else. Purchase a treatment, such as a facial or a massage, and you’ll get access to the baths as well, making it a double treat.
This time of year brings about many feelings and one of the top ones is….dry skin. It’s annoying! It can be painful! For some of us (waves hand, hi!) it can turn into eczema that just won’t go away. This mask, by Danish skincare brand Woods Copenhagen, uses hyaluronic acid and sea buckthorn to deliver plump, moisturized skin. Use this once or twice per week during the winter to ensure your skin barrier is strong and those pesky dry patches stay away.
Best Gifts for the Travel Lover
We’ve recommended this tech kit a few times over the years and we’ll keep doing it because it’s…just so great. If you travel often (for work or pleasure), or commute to work, this tech kit is a must-have. Keep your chargers, adapters, and other small tech items in one, easy-to-find place. There’s even a mini pocket for an SD card or SIM card. No more searching through your bag for your phone charger or trying to figure out if you have a USB or USB-C port. It’s all on-hand!
For frequent, short-trip travellers, this backpack by Swedish brand Sandqvist is a godsend. It acts as a carry-on suitcase in the way it open through the middle and has mesh zippered compartments on both sides. There is a flat pocket in the back, perfect for a laptop, and a bottom compartment that’s ideal for shoes or toiletries. The small slit pockets on the front hold a wallet, passport, or phone. We’ve tested it for trips up to four days long and it easily held everything necessary, when paired with packing cubes.
This backpack is a fantastic gift for those who travel for work or those who hate packing more than a single bag for a trip (we all have those friends!). It’s durable, functional, and looks great.
Packing cubes are so useful for any kind of travel – a few days to a few weeks, or even when moving. We love the sets from Baggu, which come with two cubes in a variety of patterns and colors. Why not get some cute packing cubes featuring Hello Kitty or Snoopy? Every time you open your bag you’ll be happy, as well as organized.
Best Gifts for Kids
Unchanged: Kinetic Sand is a sensory toy made from sand that binds together, so it holds its shape when dry. The sandbox set is totally self-contained, making it a great toy for young kids who tend to make a mess (so, all kids). Because the sand is so mutable, it’s a wonderful gift for kids (or people at any age) who are sensory seekers and may find it soothing or engaging. It’s like going to the beach…without having to bring back any of the sand in your shoes!
The BRIO Train Set is a classic all over the world. We love that they’re embracing extension sets, which means you can keep using the train set you have, and add fun parts so that the kids can engage their imaginations and try something new. BRIO has declared 2025 the “year of the dinosaur,” so their selection of dino-related extension items for the train set is ample.
Okay, so it’s a little on-the-nose, but this LEGO Christmas tree is the perfect activity to do together on Christmas morning, or even on one of the Sunday advents to add some decor to the home. We love a kid’s gift that can bring people together, and that’s really what LEGO is all about: creativity, togetherness, and play.
Have you gotten into Murdle yet? These murder mystery puzzles are a wonderful blend of playfulness and logic. Murdle creator G.T. Karber has made a series for kids – the classic Murdle is actually already pretty kid-friendly, but these have more illustrations and feature kid detectives. The puzzles are so much fun to do together on a cozy evening, curled up with a cup of hot chocolate on the couch!
The stainless steel elephant money bank from Danish brand Georg Jensen is a thoughtful gift to get a child started on their journey in learning about money and savings. The cute little wooden twin elephants that fit perfectly into the larger elephant are the icing on top!
Best Gifts for Book Lovers
If you haven’t been following Bristol-based interior stylist and design writer Abi Dare (@thefourwallsblog) for years, like we have, you may not be acquainted with her straightforward and practical take on minimalist design. This book is a great place to start, highlighting how to bring “soft minimalism” into your life through a wonderful photographs of real homes. Showcasing gentle color, pattern, and detailing, Abi makes the case that minimalism is more about the consideration and intention than it is about creating an all-white, museum-like space.
With photographs by Estelle Hanania and an introduction by longtime creative collaborator Stefano Palumbo, this immerive books takes you into the two impeccable homes of renowned jewelry designer Elsa Peretti, one in Rome and the other in Porto Ercole. If you’re looking for sumptuous interior inspiration with details that will blow your mind, this book bring it, and then some.
Did you know the latest Ragnar Jónasson Nordic Noir thriller is co-written by none other than the Icelandic Prime Minster, Katrín Jakobsdóttir. Now that’s a helluva byline! The story itself is a compelling one: a girl goes missing in Iceland in 1956 and the case goes cold. When Iceland celebrates its 200 year anniversary, a journalist sets out to find out the truth, only to find out that there may be people who want to keep the disappearance unsolved.
Expert level trivia: this book is dedicated to British crime writer Agatha Christie, the books of whom Jónasson has translated into Icelandic. You can hear him talk about it on this podcast!
Reproductive rights – not just abortion, but issues such as IVF and family planning – are under attack in the US. Feminist writer Jessica Valenti lays out the case for what is happening, why, and how we can fight back. The book is not just an explanation but also a handbook, and it hasn’t felt so urgent since the times before Roe v. Wade.
Donate to a Good Cause
When Elissa Kalver was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, she realized that many people wanted to help her, but they just didn’t know how. She decided to remedy the problem, creating We Got This, a gift registry for cancer patients and those who love them. This allows cancer thrivers to get the items and acts of service that they need, but don’t always feel comfortable asking for outright. Donate to We Got This to ensure that the organisation can improve the registry and continue to work with their range of partners.
Standing Together is a “grassroots organisation bringing together Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel to mobilize for peace, equality, and social justice.” The organisation notes, “As the largest Jewish-Arab grassroots movement in Israel, we are committed to creating an alternative to our existing reality and building the political strength to make this transformation possible.”
In Russia’s ongoing assault against Ukraine, there is continued need for support of many kinds, including evacuating Ukrainian refugees and connecting them with resources. Ukraine Now has been working on the ground since the start of the war, but has pivoted to providing Ukrainian non-profits with tech resources and equipment.
As anyone who has, or has had, a loved one with Alzheimer’s (or any kind of dementia) will tell you, this disease is cruel and draining – both for the person affected and those who support them. Alzheimer’s Association is a global leader in pushing forward Alzheimer’s and other dementia research, early detection programs, and quality care initiatives. Their work is invaluable and will, we truly believe, one day lead to breath-through medications, therapeutics, and even cures.
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